A big fan of the game of baseball itself, who just happens to have no favorite team.

Results tagged ‘ Mark Teixeira ’

So far this season I’ve attended seven minor league baseball games–three Carolina Mudcats games, and four Durham Bulls games. In that time, I’ve been able to collect fourteen autographs, two game used bats and three game home run balls. While that’s far more than I was able to get all of last year, I’m hoping to continue adding to those totals, as I’m planning to attend as many games as possible from now until September, when the minor league baseball season ends.

The next game I’m going to is this Saturday’s Bulls game versus the Indianapolis Indians. I had originally been planning on trying to get an autograph from Pirates’ number one prospect, Gerrit Cole, at this game, but he’s set to make his major league debut later tonight, and therefore won’t be there. Thus, I’ve decided to try for autos from the Bulls players instead, that I haven’t been able to get so far this season. This includes stand outs such as Alex Colome and Jake Odorizzi, however, David Price is supposed to begin a rehab assignment with the Bulls sometime this weekend, so I’m hoping I can get him while I’m there.

If Price doesn’t happen to be at the game on Saturday, he’s nearly guaranteed to be there when I go to one of the three Bulls games against the Louisville Bats early next week. I’m going for the sole purpose of getting an autograph from Reds’ number one prospect, Billy Hamilton–I was going for Tony Cingrani as well, but he was just called back up to the Reds–but if I don’t get an autograph from David Price on Saturday, I may end up rethinking my plans. (Though that’s a hard decision to make–a guy who stole 155 bases last year, or last year’s Cy Young award winner.)

My first major league baseball game of the season, and my first since June 23, 2012, is coming on June 29th, up in Baltimore. The Orioles are set to take on the Yankees, and with it being my first time at Camden Yards, I’m really looking forward to the game, though it’s sure to be packed. I hate that Derek Jeter won’t be there, but I’m going to be trying for autos from the Yankees nonetheless, including guys like Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira, with my main targets being Ichiro Suzuki and Mariano Rivera. I’m not too confident on getting Suzuki, but with it being Rivera’s last season, and his overall fan-friendly attitude, I’m hoping I get lucky and pick up a signature from ‘Mo’.

So that’s basically it for the remainder of the month. If I don’t get an autograph from David Price on Saturday or next week’s game, I may end up adding an extra Bulls game in, so I can get Price to sign. But I’m staying optimistic that I won’t have to do that.

Towards the end of July, I’m going to be attending a Mariners-Twins game up at Safeco Field, in Seattle. This game is part of a month long road trip that will have a major impact on this blog. But I’ll wait to discuss that at some point next month….

I realize that only a few games have been played of this 2011 baseball season. But the games that have been played have been exciting. Every few games, I’m going to take a look at the stats of my top 5 favorite players(see the list to the right side). This is progress update number one.

HEATH BELL
He has only pitched in one game, but that one game pitched led him to his first save of the season. This leaves him 8 saves away from 100 lifetime saves. He’s someone to keep an eye on. (The Padres are currently 2-1.)

DEREK JETER
Having only achieved 2 hits in the 3 game series versus the Tigers, his current batting average in .200. But I have confidence that Jeter will turn this slow start around. The two hits he achieved(both being singles) puts his official hit count up to 2,928. Only 72 away from 3,000. A milestone that is well within reach for this season. (The Yankees are currently 2-1.)

TIM LINCECUM
Having also just pitched one game, versus the Dodgers. Tim looks to be off to a strong start. He lasted 7 innings with no ERA. (1 unearned run.) He did however get the loss. With the Giants winning the World Series last season, and with two Cy Young awards under his belt. I expect Lincecum to continue the elite pitching. (The Giants are currently 1-3.)

ALBERT PUJOLS
I don’t think anyone saw Pujols going 2 for 13, to start off the season. Although one of those two hits was a homerun,(putting him at 409 for his career). Pujols is not connecting with the ball all that well. I still believe that Pujols will quickly improve his game. Anything above the .154 average that he currently holds, is an improvement. (The Cardinals are currently 1-2.)

MARIANO RIVERA
Although he is considered to be ancient, in baseball years, at age 41. Rivera is showing no signs of losing his killer cutter, and thus pitching ability. Rivera is 2 for 2, in save opportunities and saves achieved. This leaves him 41 saves away from passing Trevor Hoffman, on the all time saves list. Rivera’s current number of 561, is an amazing accomplishment, that not many closer achieve.

OTHER GENERAL BASBALL NEWS

Boston goes 0-3 against the Rangers.

Mark Teixeira hits a home run in his first three games.

White Sox ground into triple play for first time since 1978.

Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz become first teamates ever to hit a home run in each of the first three games.

From now until the occuring date, I will have a tab to the right side with an updated road to milestones. (Derek Jeter’s 3,000 hit, and Mariano Rivera’s 602 save.)

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